Written by Speed Service
Honest, hands-on advice from our workshop at 99 Cross Keys Rd, Salisbury.
We review our guides as workshop advice and Australian road rules change.
The short version
Short on time? Here's what this guide covers — scroll on for the detail.
- Keep your pressures correct
- Rotate your tyres regularly
- Make sure your wheels are balanced
- Drive smoothly
- Don't overload your car
- Avoid kerbs and potholes
- Check for uneven wear early
- Don't let tyres age out
- Have them inspected regularly
Not sure where your car's at? We'll check it for you — call 0481 309 775.
A good set of tyres is a serious expense, so it makes sense to get every kilometre out of them. The great news is that tyre life is largely in your hands. With a few simple habits you can add thousands of kilometres to a set of tyres, improve your fuel economy, and stay safer at the same time.
Here are ten proven ways to make your tyres last longer.
1. Keep your pressures correct
This is the single biggest factor. Under-inflated tyres wear on the edges, run hotter and use more fuel. Over-inflated tyres wear in the centre and ride harshly. Check your pressures at least once a month, when the tyres are cold, and set them to the figure on your car's placard (usually inside the driver's door).
2. Rotate your tyres regularly
Front and rear tyres wear at different rates, the fronts especially on most cars. Rotating them, typically around every 10,000 km or with each service, evens out the wear so the whole set lasts longer. It's a cheap job that pays for itself.
Rather have us take a look?
Pop in for a tyre and tread check while you wait — we can repair a safe puncture here, and we'll point you to a trusted specialist if you need replacement tyres or alignment.
3. Get your wheel alignment checked
Poor alignment is a tyre killer. It causes rapid, uneven wear, often on just one edge, and you might never feel it until the damage is done. Hitting a kerb or one of Adelaide's deeper potholes can knock the alignment out, so have it checked if you notice uneven wear or the car pulling to one side.
4. Make sure your wheels are balanced
Unbalanced wheels cause vibration and uneven, patchy wear, as well as putting extra strain on suspension components. A vibration through the steering wheel at certain speeds is a classic sign your wheels need balancing.
5. Drive smoothly
Hard acceleration, heavy braking and fast cornering all scrub rubber off your tyres far quicker. Smooth, gentle driving isn't just easier on your tyres, it's easier on your fuel bill and your brakes too.
6. Don't overload your car
Carrying more than your car is designed for puts extra heat and strain into the tyres and wears them faster, as well as being unsafe. If you regularly carry heavy loads, adjust your tyre pressures accordingly.
7. Avoid kerbs and potholes
Scraping a kerb or thumping into a pothole can damage the tyre, knock the alignment out, or even bend a wheel. Give kerbs a wide berth when parking and steer around potholes where it's safe to do so.
8. Check for uneven wear early
Get into the habit of glancing at your tyres. Wear on one edge, a feathered surface, or bald patches all point to an underlying issue like alignment, balance or pressure. Catching it early can save the rest of the tyre's life.
9. Don't let tyres age out
Rubber hardens and cracks with age, even on a car that doesn't do many kilometres. Our harsh South Australian sun accelerates this. Most manufacturers suggest replacing tyres around 5 to 10 years old regardless of tread, so check for cracking on the sidewalls.
10. Have them inspected regularly
A quick professional look can catch problems, like a developing alignment issue or a slow leak, before they ruin a tyre. It's a small thing that protects a big investment.
The cheapest tyre is the one you don't have to replace early
Correct pressures, regular rotation and good alignment are inexpensive habits that add thousands of kilometres to your tyres. At Speed Service we'll give your tyres a free once-over, check your pressures and repair any puncture — and flag anything that's better off with a tyre specialist.
Looking after your tyres locally
If your tyres are wearing unevenly or you've picked up a slow leak, it's worth a quick check. Pop into Speed Service at 99 Cross Keys Rd, Salisbury, or call 0481 309 775 — we'll give them a once-over, check your pressures, repair any puncture, and let you know if anything needs a specialist.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I check my tyre pressures?
At least once a month, and before any long trip. Check them when the tyres are cold for an accurate reading, and use the pressures listed on your car's placard, usually found inside the driver's door.
How often should tyres be rotated?
A common guide is around every 10,000 km, or at each service. Rotating evens out the different wear rates between front and rear tyres so the whole set lasts longer.
Do tyres expire even if the tread is fine?
Yes. Rubber hardens and cracks with age, and our strong South Australian sun speeds that up. Inspect older tyres for sidewall cracking and consider replacing them once they're around 5 to 10 years old, even with tread left.
